Mounting bracket for window treatments

Abstract

A pair of mounting brackets are disclosed which are readily removably but securely attach to any window for purposes of mounting a variety of window treatments in an aesthetic manner. The mounting brackets are attached to the window by a plurality of suction cups. Each bracket is comprised of a base plate and an elongated mounting element oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The mounting element is adapted to receive one of a shade and a curtain rod substantially above the window and outside of the periphery of the window. When in a closed position the window treatment blocks any significant light or air draft from being transmitted from the exterior of the building to the interior of the building. A connecting portion having a configuration which conforms to the window frame is provided between the base plate and the mounting element.

I claim: 
     
       1. A mounting bracket for mounting shades and curtains to window glass comprising: (a) a base plate having a plurality of apertures;   (b) a suction cup fitted securely into each of the plurality of apertures;   (c) an elongated mounting element oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate and sized to extend in a vertical direction above a window, such that the mounting element is adapted to receive one of a shade and a curtain rod positioned substantially above the window; and   (d) a connecting means attached between the base plate and the mounting element, the connecting means having a first portion and a second portion of a shape adapted to fit horizontally around a window frame for positioning the mounting element outward of the periphery of the window frame.   
     
     
       2. The mounting bracket of claim 1 also comprising a first corner brace attached and oriented substantially perpendicular to the first portion of the connecting means and the base plate. 
     
     
       3. The mounting bracket of claim 2 also comprising a second corner brace attached and oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second portions of the connecting means, and a third corner brace attached and oriented substantially perpendicular to the second portion of the connecting means and the mounting element. 
     
     
       4. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the base plate has three apertures that are not aligned relative to one another. 
     
     
       5. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the suction cups are removable from the base plate. 
     
     
       6. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions of the connecting means are L-shaped and configured such that, the connecting means fits around a window frame in close proximity for the purpose of insulation, privacy and shielding of light. 
     
     
       7. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the connecting means is curved and the second portion of the connecting means is L-shaped so that the connecting means may fit around a generally curved window frame in close proximity for the purpose of insulation, privacy and shielding of light. 
     
     
       8. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the base plate, the mounting element and the connecting means are made of a transparent plastic. 
     
     
       9. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the mounting element and the second portion of the connecting means are secured by means of a gusset oriented substantially perpendicular to the second portion of the connecting means and the mounting element. 
     
     
       10. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the connecting means and the base plate are secured by means of a gusset oriented substantially perpendicular to the first portion of the connecting means and the base plate. 
     
     
       11. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the base plate, the mounting element and the connecting means are made from a material resistant to discoloration from prolonged light exposure and capable of withstanding temperature variations which occur at a window surface. 
     
     
       12. The mounting bracket of claim 11 wherein the material is polycarbonate. 
     
     
       13. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the suction cups are positioned in a triangular configuration in order to resist downward movement of the shade held by the mounting bracket when the shade is pulled. 
     
     
       14. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions of the connecting means are secured by means of a gusset oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second portions of the connecting means. 
     
     
       15. A mounting system for hanging window treatments above a window having a window frame comprising two mounting brackets each of said two mounting brackets comprised of: (a) a base plate having a plurality of apertures;   (b) a suction cup fitted securely into each of the plurality of apertures;   (c) an elongated mounting element having a first and second end, the mounting element oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate; and   (d) a connecting means attached between the base plate and the mounting element, the connecting means having a shape adapted to fit around a window frame for positioning the mounting element outward of the periphery of the window frame such that the first end of the mounting element is attached to the connecting means and the second end of the mounting element extends above and outward of the window frame in order that the second end of the mounting element can receive one of a shade and a curtain rod above the window frame thereby allowing at least one of a shade and a curtain to completely cover the window.